The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in home schooling in the United States, with many families opting to continue this form of education even as schools have reopened. Data shows that the number of home-schooled students has risen by 51% over the past six school years, outpacing the growth in private school enrollment. The increase in home schooling is not limited to low-performing school districts, as even high-scoring districts have seen a surge in home schooling.
The reasons for choosing home schooling vary, with some parents dissatisfied with the quality of education provided by public schools, while others are concerned about the social and political environment in schools. However, critics argue that home schooling can lead to a lack of oversight and accountability, as there is no government official checking on the quality of education being provided. The rise in home schooling has also sparked debates about the role of public schools and the need for education reform. Some argue that public schools should focus on providing a strong foundation in basic education, while others believe that more emphasis should be placed on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Overall, the increase in home schooling reflects a growing trend of parents seeking alternative forms of education for their children.
A report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a rise in poor mental health among youth, female students, LGBTQ+ students, and those who have experienced racism. Homeschooled students face an ongoing mental health crisis, as they often lack access to dedicated mental health resources. Homeschooling saw a sharp increase at the start of the pandemic and remains largely unregulated in the United States. Homeschooled students, especially LGBTQ+ students, face difficulties in accessing mental health support. A 2016 survey found that around half of all homeschooled students had experienced mental illness, with depression and anxiety being the most common. Homeschooled students often lack structured support systems, making it challenging for them to identify and access the mental health resources they need. Personalized outreach programs and advocacy organizations are working to address the issue of inaccessible mental health resources for homeschooled students.
In addition to concerns about education quality and mental health, some families are turning to home schooling as a way to preserve traditional family values. The introduction of new educational mandates across the US is prompting families to seek alternative educational pathways that offer more control over curriculum content. Many families are exploring alternative educational paths like full-time homeschooling complemented by elite tutoring to maintain control over the curriculum, ensuring it aligns with their personal values and beliefs. Full-time homeschooling, especially with the aid of highly experienced tutors, offers unmatched control over a child's education and nurtures the beliefs and values that are important to the family. When choosing a tutor for homeschooling, it's crucial to choose someone with a strong educational background, a teaching philosophy that matches the family's values, and experience in homeschooling environments. Tutors International understands the unique demands of UHNW families seeking a comprehensive, global education for their children and offers personalized learning and top-quality private tuition.
North Carolina ranks fifth on the Center for Education Reform’s Parent Power Index and 12th on the Cato Institute’s index of educational freedom. Recent expansions of Opportunity Scholarships and interest in charter schools have propelled the state's education system. Critics of school choice have made foolish and counterproductive arguments, peddling conspiracy theories that advocates are out to destroy public schools or instigate a Christian nationalist takeover of America. School choice is a popular idea embraced by most Americans, and choice and competition have been evident in higher education, preschool education, healthcare, and other fields. Empirical evidence shows that as parental choice and school competition increase, average test scores and educational attainment also increase. Private schooling, particularly religious private schooling, is strongly associated with positive civic outcomes. Critics should offer counterarguments rather than resorting to name-calling or accusations of racism.